Liverpool U21s were beaten 3-1 on penalties against Crystal Palace, with Will Wright bagging a brace but the Reds losing their Premier League 2 play-off clash.
Liverpool U21s 3-3 Crystal Palace U21s (1-3 on pens)
Premier League 2 (round of 16), Kirkby Academy
April 26, 2026
Goals: Wright 12′, 58′, Figueroa 112′; Cardines 15′, Marsh 29′, Gibbard 107′
The young Reds faced a big game at the Kirkby Academy, taking on Crystal Palace under-21s in a last-16 clash, knowing that defeat would knock them out.
Given the relative importance of the match, it was no surprise to see established players feature, with James McConnell and Trey Nyoni starting in midfield.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There was no start for Rio Ngumoha, however, with the 17-year-old now a firm part of Arne Slot‘s first-team plans.
Will Wright fired wide early on, but it didn’t take long for the teenager to open the scoring, with the influential Kieran Morrison providing the assist.
The opening goal from Will Wright ? pic.twitter.com/n6coNUS4wz
— The LFC Academy (@LFCAcademyX) April 26, 2026
Palace then through Rio Cardine’s pinpoint free-kick, with Pecsi powerless to keep it out, and turned the game on its head when taking the lead in the 29th minute.
Their secodn came thanks to Zach Marsh’s finish at the near post, minutes after Pecsi had made a superb reflex stop.
Nyoni was booked just before half-time, as Liverpool faced an uphill battle heading into the second half.
Half-time: Liverpool U21 1-2 Crystal Palace U21s
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak need to watch this link-up between Will Wright and Kieran Morrison for the U21s and take notes ??
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) April 26, 2026
It was the Morrison and Wright show again after the restart, with the latter tapping home to bag his second goal of the afternoon.
Palace hit the bar almost straight away, while the ever-dangerous Wright headed comfortably wide as he searched for his hat-trick.
Both sides huffed and puffed for a winner – Pecsi was forced into an important save – but extra-time and penalties would be required to decide the victor.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's Under-19's head coach Robert Page during the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and PSV Eindhoven Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Full-time: Liverpool U21 2-2 Crystal Palace U21s
Nyoni was replaced by Joe Bradshaw at the restart, as tired legs started to show in Kirkby.
In the 107th minute Liverpool fell back behind as penalties loomed, with midfielder Joe Gibbard the Palace scorer.
But there was still time for another twist thanks to Keyrol Figueroa’s header from Calvin Ramsay‘s cross, with eight minutes remaining.
It was the striker’s first appearance since February 8 and his 13th goal of a productive season – the booking for taking his shirt off seemed worth it!
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 1, 2025: Liverpool's Keyrol Figueroa celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Middlesbrough FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Penalties were needed and it was Palace who went through, with Morrison scoring but Michael Laffey, Wright and Figueroa all having their effort saved.
It means that Liverpool’s Premier League 2 season is over and they have missed out on a quarter-final play-off against Man United, who beat Sunderland 3-2.
Liverpool U21s: Pecsi; Ramsay, Nallo, Ndiaye, Pitt; Kelly (Laffey 60′), McConnell (Pilling 60′), Nyoni (Bradshaw 91′); Morrison, Sonni-Lambie (Figueroa), Wright
Subs not used: Misciur